Weighted garment

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a weighted garment which allows a user to incrementally add weights to such garment, the weighted garment comprising (a) a support structure with an outer surface and an inner surface; and (b) a plurality of weight cells disposed in a plurality of weight cell pockets which are disposed on the support structure and aligned with specific muscle groups. Such a weighted garment may also comprise at least one physical treatment modality selected from the group consisting of heat, cooling, and electrical current. The weight cells are strategically placed on the support structure to align the body and gradually develop and safely increase strength while preventing injury; maximizing balance, strength, and development of the muscles and connective tissue in the body; and allowing the user to move, without movement impedance.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/661,534 entitled “Weighted Medical Exercise/Resistance Training/Injury Prevention Repair System Garment” filed on Apr. 23, 2018, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to weight training, and, more particularly to a weight training garment that has a plurality of pockets aligned with specific muscle groups which allow one to incrementally add weights therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Weighted clothing adds weight to various parts of the body and is primarily used during exercise to provide a form of resistance training which leaves the user's hands free or able to grasp other items rather than holding weights. The addition of weight provided by weighted clothing is normally done in the form of different weights attached to garments in order to augment endurance when performed in longer repetitive events, such as running, swimming, kicking, jumping, punching, or the like. Additionally, heavy weight can be added to weighted clothing, with such heavier weight addition episodes primarily those involving slow, controlled movements, and as a way to add resistance to weight training. As such, it would be beneficial to allow a user of weighted clothing to incrementally adjust the weight of such clothing for use during exercise, whether done as part of physical therapy or a personal training regimen. However, prior art weighted garments generally do not allow for such incremental weight adjustment to allow for user's to improve balance, ensure gradual muscle growth, and address the performance and strengthening of the other necessary body parts that work with the muscle groups of the body, such as bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, circulatory system, respiratory systems and fascia, and to increase the efficiency of their relationship to one another.

Moreover, given its use in physical therapy, it would be beneficial for weighted clothing to provide many of the commonly-used physical treatment modalities (physical agents that produce a specific therapeutic response), such as heat, cold, and electrical current, which are commonly used in a therapeutic setting. For example, heat therapy, also known as thermotherapy, is primarily used to assist muscles, alleviate chronic pain, and lessen stress, and has been known to decrease joint stiffness, reduce pain and inflammation, and relieve muscle spasms by providing a warm, comforting sensation. Cold or cooling treatment, or cryotherapy, is beneficial for injuries. Specifically, cold reduces blood flow by constricting blood vessels, which would be advantageous to an injured area of the body as it would slow the rate of inflammation and reduce the risk of swelling and related tissue damage.

Further, electrical muscle stimulation involves the use of an electrical current to stimulate muscles and is effective for managing nerve pain, increasing blood circulation, relaxing muscle spasms, strengthening muscles, preventing and retarding disuse atrophy, maintaining and increasing range of motion, promoting bone growth and providing relief from post-traumatic and post-surgical acute pain

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a garment which allows one to add incremental amounts of weights to specified muscle groups to create denser muscle fibers and simultaneously develop the connective tissue that hold them to the body's frame as well as for allowing therapeutic remedies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment a weighted garment is disclosed. The weighted garment comprises (a) a support structure with an outer surface and an inner surface; and (b) a plurality of weight cells wherein each weight cell is disposed in a weight cell pocket positioned on the support structure, each such weight cell pocket comprising a weight cell pocket backing disposed on the outer surface of the support structure and a weight cell pocket casing attached to the weight cell pocket backing and forming one or more of an open and a closed interior empty space into which the weight cell is disposed.

In accordance with one embodiment a weighted garment is disclosed. The weighted garment comprises (a) a support structure with an outer surface and an inner surface; (b) a plurality of weight cells wherein each weight cell is disposed in a weight cell pocket positioned on the support structure, each such weight cell pocket comprising a weight cell pocket backing disposed on the outer surface of the support structure and a weight cell pocket casing attached to the weight cell pocket backing and forming one or more of an open and a closed interior empty space into which the weight cell is disposed; and (c) a heating system for providing heat to the user when the garment is donned, wherein the heating system comprises a power source and one or more heating elements connected to the power source and disposed on the support structure in one or more configurations selected from the group consisting of (i) attached to one or more of the interior and exterior surfaces of the support structure; (ii) formed within the support structure; and (iii) disposed in the interior of one or more weight cell pockets.

In accordance with one embodiment a weighted garment is disclosed. The weighted garment comprises (a) a support structure with an outer surface and an inner surface; (b) a plurality of weight cells wherein each weight cell is disposed in a weight cell pocket positioned on the support structure, each such weight cell pocket comprising a weight cell pocket backing disposed on the outer surface of the support structure and a weight cell pocket casing attached to the weight cell pocket backing and forming one or more of an open and a closed interior empty space into which the weight cell is disposed; and (c) a cooling system for providing cooling to the user when the garment is donned, wherein the cooling system comprises at least one of (i) a cooling fluid system comprising one or more fluid channels for accommodating the flow of a cooling fluid therethrough disposed on the support structure wherein such one or more fluid channels are embedded between the outer surface and the inner surface of the support structure and a plurality of external components comprising an external fluid supply and an external flow control unit and wherein each external component is in fluid communication with the one or more fluid channels, and (ii) one or more ice packs disposed on the support structure.

In accordance with one embodiment a weighted, garment is disclosed. The weighted garment comprises a weighted garment comprising (a) a support structure with an outer surface and an inner surface; (b) a plurality of weight cells wherein each weight cell is disposed in a weight cell pocket positioned on the support structure, each such weight cell pocket comprising, a weight cell pocket backing disposed on the outer surface of the support structure and a weight cell pocket casing attached to the weight cell pocket backing and forming one or more of an open and a closed interior empty space into which the weight cell is disposed; and (c) an electrical signal system configured to impart an electrical signal to the user when the garment is donned, wherein the system comprises an external electrical signal generating unit connected to an electricity source and connectable to at least one of (i) a support structure made from electrically conductive fabric and (ii) one or more electrodes disposed on the support structure.

Further additional, advantageous aspects of the invention, such as variants of the aspects of the invention disclosed above, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of the embodiments of the invention and the claims and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

By way of example only, specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a long-sleeve top (shirt or blouse) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight cell disposed in a pocket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of leggings in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a glove in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a weighted garment 1 (hereinafter weighted garment 1) may be described. The weighted garment 1 may comprise a (i) support structure 5 made of fabric with an exposed outer surface and an inner surface proximal the skin of the user when worn and (ii) a plurality of weight cell pockets 15 formed on the outer surface of the support structure 5 for holding and securing one or more weight cells 10. The weight cells 10 may be disposed in weight cell pockets 15 that are strategically positioned on the support structure 5 to target one or more muscles or muscle groups to allow for the targeting of such muscles or muscle groups during use of the weighted garment 1 when donned by a user while simultaneously preventing injury to the user which could occur if such weight cells 10 disposed in the weight cell pockets 15 were not so strategically placed.

The weighted garment 1 may also comprise a system for providing physical treatment to selected muscle groups. The physical treatment may be selected from a group consisting of heat, cooling, and/or electrical current. In accordance with one embodiment, the system may have at least one component 22 formed on the support structure 5 and at least one component 21 external the support structure 5. The pockets 15 may be strategically positioned on the support structure 5 so that when weight cells 10 are positioned within one or more pockets 15 it may maximize balance, strength, and development of the muscles and connective tissue in the body while at the same time allowing the user to move freely without impediment from the support structure 5 or weight cells 10 thereon.

The material for the fabric used for the support structure 5 may be selected based on the desired performance characteristics of the weighted garment 1. In an embodiment of the invention, the fabric material used for the support structure 5 may be a wicking fabric which draws or pulls moisture away from the body toward the outer surface of the support structure 5 and to the exterior of the body where it can evaporate more easily. Such wicking fabric may be made of a high-tech polyester blend, which, unlike cotton, absorbs very little water. In another embodiment of the invention, the fabric material used for the support structure 5 may be a heavier material such as neoprene and is designed for use in a wet or cold environment. Other fabric materials which may be used for the support structure 5 of the weighted garment 1 may include any fabric material known in the art for garments such as cotton, Lycra®, a two-way stretch fabric which stretches in one direction, a four-way stretch fabric such as Spandex® which stretches in both directions [crosswise and lengthwise], and cotton-polyester blends or blends of other materials mentioned herein. The weight cells 5 of the weighted garment 1 may be presented in any one or more shapes known in the art, such as square, rectangular, hexagonal or triangular, with each such shape having rounded comers. In an embodiment of the weighted garment 1, the weight cells 5 may be made of a noncorrosive metallic or nonmetallic material, such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, bronze, copper, brass, aluminum, plastics, or weathering steel. In other embodiments of the invention, the material for the weight cells 10 may be any one of the many known materials used in the art for weights. Further, the weight cells 10 may be coated with a resistive material to prevent movement of the weight cells 10.

In an embodiment of the invention one or more of the plurality of weight cells 10 is disposed on the support structure 5 by being enveloped in the interior of a weight cell pocket 15 that itself is disposed on the outer surface of the support structure 5. Each weight cell pocket 15 may comprise an envelope-like fabric receptacle comprising (i) a pocket backing 16 disposed on the outer surface of the support structure 5, and (ii) a pocket casing 18 attached to the weight cell pocket backing 16 and forming a closed or open interior empty space into which the weight cell 10 is disposed. In embodiments of the invention wherein the weight cell pocket easing 18 forms an open interior space, the weight cell 10 disposed therein may be inserted into and removed from the interior of the weight cell pocket 15 to allow for incremental or decremental changes in the weight of the weighted garment 1. Through small incremental increases of weight, the body of a user can more acclimate to the weight increases, with the resultant effect that the user develops strength in all areas without developing compressive stress that can lead to injury.

In an embodiment of the invention wherein the weight cell pocket casing 18 forms a closed interior space, the weight cell 10 may be permanently encased within the weight cell pocket 15. The pocket casing 18 may be comprised of a four-sided panel attached on all four sides to the support structure 15 to form a hollow/empty space between the panel and the support structure 15. In an alternative embodiment of the weighted garment 1 wherein the pocket casing 18 forms an open empty interior space, the weight cell 10 may be ins able to and removable from the weight cell pocket 15 to allow for incremental or decremental ounce-scale changes in the total weight of the weighted garment 1. In an embodiment wherein the pocket casing 18 forms an open empty interior space, the pocket casing 18 comprises at least one end formed of an elastic material to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of the weight falling out of the open interior space.

Through such ounce-scale decremental or incremental changes in weight through use of the weighted garment 1, the user's body can more easily acclimate to a weight decrement or increment, respectively, and thereby develop strength without developing the compressive stress often associated with more dramatic, larger weight decrements or increments that leads to strain-related injuries that can worsen into tissue tension and eventual damage. In an embodiment of the weighted garment 1 wherein at least one weight cell pocket 15 has an open empty interior space, the pocket casing 18 of a weight cell pocket 15 may be removably attachable or separable from the pocket backing 16 so as to allow for insertion and removal of the weight cell 10 from the interior of the weight cell pocket 15.

In embodiments of the weighted garment 1, the weight cell pocket 15 may be cushioned wherein a cushion layer 17 may be positioned vertically above to the pocket backing 16. The cushion layer 17 may be comprised of a material to provide heat-resistant, flame, and fire-retardant cushioning, such as flame and fire resistant and retardant foam in the form of medium and heavy density foam, low abrasion and laminated, polyethylene foam, foam laminates, medium and heavy density polyethylene sheet foam, and cushion laminates, and flame or fire retardant polyurethane.

The pockets 15 maybe disposed on the support structure 5 using any method known in the art for removably attaching a structure to a weighted garment 1. Further, the pockets 15 may be individually sown next to one another to form a continuous row of pockets 15 positioned on the support structure 5 in embodiments of the weighted garment 1 wherein one or more w eight cell pockets 15 may be permanently adhered to the support structure 5. Alternatively, a hook and loop strip may be positioned on a section of the support structure 5 or a plurality of female ends of snap fixtures may be placed in close proximity to one another to allow for individual pockets 15 to be removably attachable to the support structure 5 in a continuous row in such section of the support structure 5.

In another embodiment of the weighted garment 1, a plurality of individual pockets 15 may be disposed on a common pocket backing 16 to form a weight cell panel 20. The weight cell panel 20 may provide a single strip of material presenting a plurality of pockets 15 disposing therein weight cells 10. The pockets 15 may be attached to a common backing to form the weight cell panel 20, and the weight cell panel 20 may be in turn disposed on the support structure 5 using any method for removably attaching a structure to a weighted garment 1, such as hook and loop material strips or snaps as described herein. In an embodiment of such a weighted garment 1 wherein the weight cells 10 may be presented in one or more weight cell panels 20 each in turn comprised of a plurality of pockets 15, one or more pockets 15 may be removably attachable to the pocket backing 16 of a weight cell panel 20 to allow varying the number of pockets 15, and hence the additional weight added, to the weight cell panel 20.

In embodiments of the weighted garment 1 wherein the pockets 15 themselves may be adhered to the support structure 5 or a weight cell panel 20 comprised of a plurality of pockets 15 with a common pocket backing 16 may be disposed on the support structure 5, the pockets 15 or weight cell panel 20, as the case may be, may be sown or glued onto the support structure 5, or otherwise permanently adhered to the support structure 5 using any one of the multiple methods to permanently adhere a structure to fabric. In embodiments wherein the pockets 15 or weight cell panel 20, as the case may be, may be removably attachable to the support structure 5, such removable attachment may be accomplished by using any one of the multiple methods to removably attach an item to fabric, such as (i) hook and loop material; (ii) magnets sown into or disposed on the support structure 5 to magnetically hold the pockets 15 or weight cell panel 20 (as the case may be) in position on the support structure 5; (iii) straps; (iv) snaps, wherein one or more snap tops may be disposed on the outer layer of the pocket backing 16 and one or more snap backing parts disposed on the outer surface of the support structure 5; and (v) various types of fasteners.

The weighted garment 1 may further comprise a system for providing physical therapy. The system may have at least one component 22 formed on the support structure 5 and at least one component 21 external the support structure 5. The system may provide at least one physical treatment modality selected from the group consisting of heat, cooling, and electric current. In an embodiment of such a weighted garment 1, the at least one component 22 formed on the support structure 5 may be one or more heating elements. Such heating elements may comprise electrical heating wires or carbon fiber heating elements, and may be (i) attached to one or more of the interior and exterior surfaces of the support structure 5; (ii) formed within the support structure 5 and (iii) disposed in the interior of one or more weight cell pockets 15. The heating elements of the heating system disposed on the support structure 5 may be connectable to the at least one component 21 external the support structure 5 which may be used to power/control the heating elements. In an embodiment, the one or more heating elements may be embedded between the inner surface and outer surface of the support structure 5. In an embodiment of the weighted garment 1, the heating elements may comprise integrated insulated heating wires.

In an embodiment of the weighted garment 1 wherein the physical treatment modality of heat may be provided, such weighted garment 1 may comprise a heating system wherein one or more pockets 15 has one or more integrated insulated electrical heating wires or carbon fiber heating elements disposed in the interior of the weight cell pocket 15 and embedded into or proximal and attached to the cushion layer 17 or attached to the surface of the weight cell 10 to allow for heating of the metallic material comprising such weight cell 10.

In an embodiment of the weighted garment 1, the system may having at least one component 22 formed on the support structure 5 and at least one component 21 external the support structure 5 may act as a cooling system to provide the physical treatment modality of cooling, such cooling system may comprise (i) one or more fluid channels for accommodating the flow of a cooling fluid therethrough disposed on the support structure 5; and (ii) a plurality of external components comprising (a) an external fluid supply; and (b) an external flow control unit, which may comprise a flow pump and means for controlling the fluid flow rate. Each external component may be in fluid communication with the one or more fluid channels disposed on the support structure 5 of the weighted garment 1. The fluid channels in such an embodiment of the weighted garment may be positioned internal, external, or within the support structure 5. The external fluid supply of such a weighted garment 1 may be presented as a container for holding ice water or another cooling fluid. The flow control unit of such a weighted garment 1 may be presented as an electric pump to circulate chilled ice water or another cooling fluid from the external fluid supply to the one or more fluid channels. In an embodiment of such a weighted garment 1, the returning cooling fluid may be cooled by melting ice where the cooling fluid is ice water and is circulated back to the user through the one or more fluid channels after being cooled through the external heat exchanger. Regulation of cooling fluid flow may be accomplished by varying the pump speed when the flow control unit is presented as an electric pump. An adjustable flow valve may be used in conjunction with an electric pump may comprise the flow control unit in an embodiment of such a weighted garment 1. When the cooling fluid comprises ice water and in locations of weighted garment 1 use where ice is not available, the user may store ice for addition to the ice water comprising the external fluid supply using a belt-pack, a backpack, or a duffel bag, depending on the length of time needed for the cooling system to operate between refilling the ice storage.

In an alternative embodiment of a weighted garment 1, the physical treatment modality of cooling is provided by disposing one or more ice packs proximal the user by disposing such one or more ice packs on the support structure 5. In an, embodiment of such a weighted garment 1, such one or more ice packs into one or more pockets, which may comprise closeable sealable pockets, sown into the inner surface of the support structure 5 or attaching such one or more ice packs to the inner surface of the support structure 5. In embodiments of the weighted garment 1 wherein the weight cells 10 may be insertable and removable from the weight cell pockets 15, ice or gel packs may likewise be inserted and removed from the weight cell pockets 15. Alternatively, in such an embodiment of the weighted garment 1 where the physical treatment modality of cooling is provided, the one or more ice packs may be stitched to the support structure 5 by being embedded between the inner surface of the support structure 5 and the outer surface of the support structure 5, with the ice packs cooled after weighted garment 1 usage by the user by placing the weighted garment 1 in a freezer or refrigerator. Also, in such an embodiment of the weighted garment 1, one or more ice packs may be disposed in the interior of a weight cell pocket 15 and stitched to one or more of the one or more of the weight cell pocket cushion layer 17 and weight cell pocket backing 16, with such ice packs cooled after weighted garment 1 usage by the user by placing the weighted garment I in a freezer or refrigerator.

In an embodiment of the weighted garment 1, the system having at least one component 22 formed on the support structure 5 and at least one component 21 external the support structure 5 may be configured to impart the physical treatment modality of the imparting of an electrical signal to the user. In an embodiment of such a weighted garment 1, the support structure 5 may be made of a fabric that conducts electricity wherein metal strands are woven into the construction of the textile fabric used for the support structure 5 or by conductive yarns which are conductive due to a metal coating applied thereto, such as those of the BioKnit® conductive garments (https://www.healthproductsforyou.com/p-Bilt-Rite-Conductive-Fabric-Glove.html) and the like known in the art (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conductive_textile). In one embodiment of such a weighted garment 1, the fabric of the support structure 5 may be woven with silver thread to provide even stimulation to the entire surface area of the body covered by the support structure 5. In other embodiments of such a weighted garment 1, the fabric may be coated or embedded with other electrically conductive materials, such as carbon, nickel, copper, gold, silver, titanium or a conductive organic polymer, such as PEDOT:PSS (a.k.a. poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) a.k.a. polystyrene sulfonate), or the impregnation of normal textiles with carbon- or metal-based powders.

In an alternative embodiment of the weighted garment 1 wherein the physical treatment modality of electrical current is provided, electrodes may be sown into the support structure 5 and disposed between the inner and outer surfaces of such support structure 5, with such electrodes connected to an external electrical signal system, such as a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS or TNS) system. In an alternative embodiment, the external electrical signal system may be battery-operated, portable, and wearable by the user, and may be configured with the ability to modulate pulse width, frequency and intensity of the electrical signal sent to the electrodes of the support structure 5 of the weighted garment 1. The connection of such an external electrical signal system to electrodes disposed in the support structure 5 of the weighted garment 1 may be used to stimulate the muscles and nerves proximal the electrodes for therapeutic purposes, such as to treat pain, through the creating of a tingling or buzzing sensation on the skin which helps to block or suppress pain messages sent from the nerves proximal the skin to the brain.

The weighted garment 1 may be used for one or more parts of the body akin to the wearing of one or more of the various types of garments worn everyday (head covering or helmet, neck covering such as a neck warmer, gloves, finger coverings, socks including no-show socks which cover primarily the foot only, toe coverings, short or long sleeve shirts or blouses, vest (sleeveless shirt or blouse), bib (garment covering just a certain section of the front of the torso), cape (garment covering just a certain section of the back of the torso), leggings, long or short pants, jacket, belt, arm covering) or over most or all of the entire body in the form of a body suit.

In one embodiment of the invention, the weighted garment 1 may comprise a sleeve that may be worn on one or both arms by the user, as shown in FIG. 1, in order to provide weight cell 10 coverage over the muscles in the arms (upper arm: biceps, triceps; and forearms: flexors, extensors of the digits), which would be especially advantageous in the treatment of injuries to the ulnar or radial nerve or alleviate pain suffered by those with carpal tunnel syndrome).

In another embodiment of the invention and with reference to FIG. 1, the weighted garment 1 may be presented in the form of a top (shirt or blouse) which may be worn in order to provide weight cell 10 coverage over the torso or trunk of the body and, as such, weight cell 10 coverage of one or more of the trapezius, pectoral muscles, deltoids, abdominals, obliques, upper back (latissimus dorsi and upper, middle, and lower trapezius), upper chest near the clavicle, and lower back (erector spinae). In such embodiments of the weighted garment 1 in the form of a top (shirt or blouse), such top may have short sleeves, wherein weight cell 10 coverage may be extended to the shoulder and upper section of the arm (biceps and triceps), or long sleeves, wherein weight cell 10 coverage may be extendable to the forearms. Any such weighted garment 1 in the form of a short or long-sleeved shirt may further comprise a zipper on the front of the torso section of the support structure 5 to allow for the user to easily don and doff the weighted garment 1 like a zipper-fronted jacket or other outerwear piece. Such a zipper may be a full frontal zipper extending along the length of the support structure 5 from the neck to the waist of the user or a partial frontal zipper.

In such an embodiment of the weighted garment 1 wherein the support structure 5 is presented in the form of a top, the weight cells 10 may be disposed in weight cell pockets 15 or weight cell panels that may be strategically placed in the upper trapezius, upper chest, the shoulder, and the arm of the support structure 5. Through such a strategic positioning of the weight cells 15, the weight cells 10 do not fall below the chest in order to mitigate injury risk. Moreover, in an embodiment of the weighted garment 1 wherein the support structure 5 is presented in the form of a top, the weight cell pockets 15 may end approximately two inches above the elbow, with the weight cell pockets 15 wrapping around the area of the arm starting from the anterior deltoid and the biceps brachii to the posterior deltoid and the triceps brachii. Moreover, in an embodiment of the weighted garment 1 wherein the support structure 5 is presented in the form of a top, the weight cell pockets 15 may be wrapped on the forearm area from the inner flexor muscles of the forearm to the outer extensor muscles of the forearm and at an angle from the wrist area to the elbow area so that the weight cells 10 disposed in such weight cell pockets 15 will not interfere with the movement of the arms against the body during the arm swing phase of a running motion.

The weighted garment 1 may also be worn over the extremities of the body, such as the limbs (hands and feet), legs, and arms. In a further embodiment of the invention, the support structure 5 of the weighted garment 1 may be presented in the form of a pair of pants or leggings that may provide weight cell 10 coverage over the thighs (quadriceps) and hamstrings wherein the plurality of weight cells are strategically disposed in weight cell pockets disposed on the support structure 5 so as to cover the quadriceps muscle area, and wrapping around to the hamstring muscle area, the gluteus maximus, and thence to the shins (anterior tibialis muscle area) and wrapping around to the calves (gastrocnemius and soleus muscle areas).

In embodiments of the weighted garment 1 presented as either short or long pants, the support structure 5 may further comprise one or more of (i) a zipper and snap or button closure positioned on the front of such weighted garment 1 over the crotch region wherein the zipper may be used to provide closure along the front of the crotch region of the support structure 5 and the snap or button closure may be positioned vertically above the zipper to provide closure at the upper front of the crotch region of the support structure 5, and (ii) a plurality of loops positioned on and attached to the outer surface of the waist region of the support structure 5 wherein such plurality of loops may accommodate a belt.

In an embodiment of the weighted garment 1 presented in the form of a body suit, the weight cells 10 may be disposed in weight cell pockets 15 disposed on the support structure 5 in order to maintain balance and the proper alignment of the spine through the careful placement of weight cells in the areas of the upper back (latissimus dorsi and upper, middle, and lower trapezius), shoulder, and upper chest near the clavicle and on the lower body in the areas of the hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteus maximus, and calf.

The weighted garment 1 may also be presented as a glove or mitten. Such a weighted garment 1 in the form of a glove or mitten may comprise a support structure 5 which may cover all or a section of the hand and one or more fingers extending from the palm of the hand, either individually in the form of a glove or collectively in the form of a mitten. Weight cell 10 coverage may extend over all or a section of the surface area of the support structure 5 positioned over the hand, hand and fingers, or fingers. In one embodiment of such a weighted garment 1, the support structure 5 may be in the form of a hand sleeve with an opening for the thumb, which remains uncovered by the support structure 5, and whereby most of the hand may be covered by the support structure 5, with weight cell 10 coverage extendable to all or a section of the surface area of the support structure 5. Such a weighted garment 1 may further comprise a section of support structure 5 extending past the wrist and up the arm in a full or partial arm sleeve, thereby allowing weight cell 10 coverage to be extended beyond the hand and fingers to all or section of the arm. The weighted garment 1 may be presented as a finger covering comprised of a support structure 5 which covers one or more individual fingers and capable of weight cell 10 coverage over all or a section of the finger or fingers.

Moreover, in another embodiment, the weighted garment 1 may be presented in the form of a sock of varying height (including a toe cover sock) wherein the support structure 5 covers one or more toes and extends to cover at least a portion of the foot. In any of the foregoing embodiments of the weighted garment 1 in the form of a sock, weight cell 10 coverage may extend over all or only a section of the support structure 5 surface area.

The weighted garment 1 may also be presented in the form of a helmet or hat comprises a support structure 5 which covers all or a section of the head. Weight cell 10 coverage extends over all or a section of the surface area of the support structure 5 positioned on the head.

During use, the user dons the weighted garment 1 in the normal manner of clothing garments and may add weight cells 10 to one or more weight cell pockets 15 disposed on the support structure 5 in embodiments wherein weight cells 10 may be insertable and removable from the interior of one or more weight cell pockets 15. Additionally, in an embodiment of the weighted garment 1, one or more weight cell pockets 15 or one or more weight cell panels 20 may be removably attached to the support structure 5, with the weight cell pockets 15 removably attachable to the one or more weight cell panels 20 in some embodiments presenting one or more weight cell panels 20. Incremental or decremental changes in weight donned by the user is accomplished by the foregoing. In an alternative to such an embodiment of the weighted garment 1, one or more weight cell panels 20 or one or more weight cell pockets 15 may be permanently adhered onto the support structure 5. In any of the foregoing embodiments of the weighted garment 1 wherein the support structure 5 has disposed thereon one or more weight cell panels 20, one or more weight cell pockets 15 may comprise a weight cell pocket 15 wherein the weight cell 10 may be insertable or removable from the interior of the weight cell pocket 15 or, alternatively, such weight cell 10 may be permanently disposed in one or more weight cell pockets 15.

By being able to removably attach weight cells 10 in accordance with the embodiments of the weighted garment 1 as described herein, the user may, when desired, increase or decrease the weight donned by the user, with benefits achieved through the addition of weight cells 10 including, but not being limited to, enhanced strength and performance; maintenance of the body in alignment and development of proper muscle memory; prevention, of injuries to joints, connective tissue, or other body systems in light of the increase in body bone density, musculature, and fibrous tissue strength; and the therapeutic benefits afforded by one or more of the physical treatment modalities selected from the group consisting of heat, cooling, and electrical current. Moreover, the ability to removably attach weight cells 10 to the weighted garment 1 in accordance with the embodiments described herein allows for the gradual and safe increase in weight to allow muscle, bone, and tissue to strengthen while preventing injury. Further, the weight cells 10 may be distributed over the support structure 5 of the weighted garment 1 to target certain body areas for training and/or therapeutic purposes.

Although the description above contains much specificity, such description specificity should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently-described embodiments. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given. 

I claim:
 1. A weighted garment comprising: a. A support structure with an outer surface and an inner surface; and b. A plurality of weight cells wherein each weight cell is disposed in a weight cell pocket positioned on the support structure, each such weight cell pocket comprising a weight cell pocket backing disposed on the outer surface of the support structure and a weight cell pocket casing attached to the weight cell pocket backing and forming one or more of an open and a closed interior empty space into which the weight cell is disposed.
 2. The weighted garment of claim 1, wherein: a. the support structure is presented in the form of a top; and b. the plurality of weight cells are disposed in weight cell pockets disposed in the upper chest, upper back, shoulder, and arm portions of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 3. The weighted garment of claim 1, wherein: a. The support structure is presented in the form of pants; and b. The plurality of weight cells are disposed in weight cell pockets disposed in the thigh, and hamstring areas of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 4. The weighted garment of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of weight cells disposed in a plurality of weight cell pockets disposed in the gluteus maximus, shin and calf areas of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 5. The weighted garment of claim 1 wherein a plurality of weight cells are adjacently disposed in a plurality of adjacent weight cell pockets formed on the weight cell pocket backing to form a weight cell panel.
 6. The weighted garment of claim 1 further comprising a system for providing at least one physical treatment modality selected from the group consisting of heat, cooling, and electrical current.
 7. A weighted garment comprising: a. A support structure with an outer surface and an inner surface; b. A plurality of weight cells wherein each weight cell is disposed in a weight cell pocket positioned on the support structure, each such weight cell pocket comprising a weight cell pocket backing disposed on the outer surface of the support structure and a weight cell pocket casing attached to the weight cell pocket backing and forming one or more of an open and a closed interior empty space into which the weight cell is disposed; and c. A heating system for providing heat to the user when the garment is donned, wherein the heating system comprises a power source and one or more heating elements connected to the power source and disposed on the support structure in one or more configurations selected from the group consisting of (i) attached to one or more of the interior and exterior surfaces of the support structure; (ii) formed within the support structure; and (iii) disposed in the interior, of one or more weight cell pockets.
 8. The weighted garment of claim 7, wherein: a. the support structure is presented in the form of a top; and b. the plurality of weight cells are disposed in weight cell pockets disposed in the upper chest, upper back, shoulder, and arm portions of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 9. The weighted garment of claim 7, wherein: a. The support structure is presented in the form of pants; and b. The plurality of weight cells are disposed in weight cell pockets disposed in the gluteus maximus, thigh and hamstring areas of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 10. The weighted garment of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of weight cells disposed in a plurality of weight cell pockets disposed in the shin and calf areas of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 11. A weighted garment of claim 7 wherein a plurality of weight cells are adjacently disposed in a plurality of adjacent weight cell pockets formed on the weight cell pocket backing to form a weight cell panel
 12. A weighted garment comprising: a. A support structure with an outer surface and an inner surface; b. A plurality of weight cells wherein each weight cell is disposed in a weight cell pocket positioned on the support structure, each such weight cell pocket comprising a weight cell pocket backing disposed on the outer surface of the support structure and a weight cell pocket casing attached to the weight cell pocket backing and forming one or more of an open and a closed interior empty space into which the weight cell is disposed; and c. A cooling system for providing cooling to the user when the garment is donned, wherein the cooling system comprises at least one of (i) a cooling fluid system comprising one or more fluid channels for accommodating the flow of a cooling fluid therethrough disposed on the support structure wherein such one or more fluid channels are embedded between the outer surface and the inner surface of the support structure and a plurality of external components comprising an external fluid supply and an external flow control unit and wherein each external component is in fluid communication with the one or more fluid channels, and (ii) one or more ice packs disposed on the support structure.
 13. The weighted garment of claim 12, wherein: a. the support structure is presented in the form of a top; and b. the plurality of weight cells are disposed in weight cell pockets disposed, in the upper chest, upper back, shoulder, and arm portions of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 14. The weighted garment of claim 12, wherein: a. The support structure is presented in the form of pants; and b. The plurality of weight cells are disposed in weight cell pockets disposed in the gluteus maximus, thigh and hamstring areas of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 15. The weighted garment of claim 14 wherein the plurality of weight cells are disposed in weight cell pockets disposed in the shin and calf areas of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 16. The weighted garment of claim 12 wherein a plurality of weight cells are adjacently disposed in a plurality of adjacent weight cell pockets formed on the weight cell pocket backing to film a weight cell panel.
 17. A weighted garment comprising: a. A support structure with an outer surface and an inner surface; b. A plurality of weight cells wherein each weight cell is disposed in a weight cell pocket positioned on the support structure, each such weight cell pocket comprising a weight cell pocket hacking disposed on the outer surface of the support structure and a weight cell pocket easing attached to the weight cell pocket backing and forming one or more of an open and a closed interior empty space into which the weight cell is disposed; and c. An electrical signal system configured to impart an electrical signal to the user when the garment is donned, wherein the system comprises an external electrical signal generating unit connected to an electricity source and connectable to at least one of (i) a support structure made from electrically conductive fabric and (ii) one or more electrodes disposed on the support structure.
 18. The weighed garment of claim 17, wherein: a. the support structure is presented in the form of a top; and b. the plurality of weight cells are disposed in weight cell pockets disposed in the upper chest, upper back, shoulder, and arm portions of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 19. The weighted garment of claim 17, wherein: a. The support structure is presented in the form of pants; and b. The plurality of weight cells are disposed in weight cell pockets disposed in the gluteus maximus, thigh and hamstring areas of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 20. The weighted garment of claim 19 wherein the plurality of weight cells are disposed in weight cell pockets disposed in the shin and calf areas of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 21. The weighed garment of claim 17 wherein a plurality of weight cells are adjacently disposed in a plurality of adjacent weight cell pockets formed on the weight cell pocket backing to form a weight cell panel.
 22. The weighted garment of claim 1, wherein: a. The support structure is presented in the form of a body suit; b. The upper body portion of the support structure has disposed thereon a plurality of weight cell pockets within which is disposed a plurality of weight cells, such plurality of weight cell pockets disposed in the upper chest, upper back, shoulder, and arm portions of the upper body portion of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user; and c. The lower body portion of the support structure has disposed thereon a plurality of weight cell pockets within which is disposed a plurality of weight cells, such plurality of weight cell pockets disposed in the thigh and hamstring areas of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 23. The weighted garment of claim 7, wherein: a. The support structure is presented in the form of a body suit; b. The upper body portion of the support structure has disposed thereon a plurality of weight cell pockets within which is disposed a plurality of weight cells, such plurality of weight cell pockets disposed in the upper chest, upper back, shoulder, and arm portions of the upper body portion of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user; and c. The lower body portion of the support structure has disposed thereon a plurality of weight cell pockets within which is disposed a plurality of weight cells, such plurality of weight cell pockets disposed in the gluteus maximus, thigh and hamstring, shin and calf areas of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 24. The weighted garment of claim 12, wherein: a. The support structure is presented in the form of a body suit; b. The upper body portion of the support structure has disposed thereon a plurality of weight cell pockets within which is disposed a plurality of weight cells, such plurality of weight cell pockets disposed in the upper chest, upper back, shoulder, and arm portions of the upper body portion of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user; and c. The lower body portion of the support structure has disposed thereon a plurality of weight cell pockets within which is disposed a plurality of weight cells, such plurality of weight cell pockets disposed in the gluteus maximus, thigh and hamstring areas of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user.
 25. The weighted garment of claim 17, wherein: a. The support structure is presented in the form of a body suit; b. The upper body portion of the support structure has disposed thereon a plurality of weight cell pockets within which is disposed a plurality of weight cells, such plurality of weight cell pockets disposed in the upper chest, upper back, shoulder, and arm portions of the upper body portion of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user; and c. The lower body portion of the support structure has disposed thereon a plurality of weight cell pockets within which is disposed a plurality of weight cells, such plurality of weight cell pockets disposed in the gluteus maximus, thigh, hamstring, shin and calf areas of the support structure when the weighted garment is donned by a user. 